INSIDER
Crytek Across the World Crytek UK JOINED CRYTEK: 2009
Karl Hilton
KEY STAFF: Karl Hilton (studio manager) In February 2009 Crytek purchased Free Radical Design, which built its reputation on the superb, tongue-in-cheek TimeSplitters series. The acquisition gave Crytek a team with a long heritage in the UK industry. That’s something set to continue as the studio readies its first Crytek-branded title. “We are currently concepting up an original IP that we hope will become a defining game series for the UK studio,” reveals Karl Hilton, studio manager. “However, in reality, the opportunity to make any kind of original FPS genre game where we get to focus on the quality of both the multiplayer and single player experience is what drives people at the studio. We have a strong history of creativity here, and we want to take that forward with Crytek and the CryENGINE 3.” Many of Crytek’s UK staff boast an impressive range of skills taken from the country’s industry, and will be key to developing relationships within the sector both to import and export knowledge and expertise. “We are particularly keen to get involved with education in the UK and build up good communications and knowledge exchange with universities and colleges,” explains Hilton.
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Crytek Germany
Crytek Hungary
FOUNDED: 1999 KEY STAFF: Carl Jones (director of global business development, CryENGINE), Nick Button-Brown (director of business development), Heiko Fischer (director of human resources), Jens Schäfer (PR manager) As Crytek’s base of operations, the Frankfurt HQ is responsible for much of the company’s output. Subsequently, the studio plays home to the Yerli brothers and various others from the upper echelons of the organisation. “Frankfurt offers a big cluster of innovative and creative companies, which makes it a very strong location for the creative industry and thus an excellent place for Crytek,” says CEO and president Cevat Yerli. “This cluster gives us the possibility for many partnerships, both on the vertical and the horizontal value chain. Frankfurt has various games companies such as developers, publishers, agencies and universities.” Originally based in Coburg, Crytek relocated in 2006, and since has established itself as one of the city’s most highly regarded employers. “We’re already working on several projects we’d call ‘dream projects’,” says Yerli. “In general we can’t really commit to a certain genre or platform. Everything has its strengths and weaknesses, and we’re trying our best to bring out the best in all games we’re developing. It’s our mission to always offer greater gaming experiences.”
FOUNDED: 2007 KEY STAFF: Kristoffer Waardahl (studio manager) Developing games lead by the mantra ‘on time, on quality’, Crytek’s Hungarian studio is focused on developing with the CryENGINE tech. Currently hard at work on ‘thrilling new IP’, the Kristoffer Waardahl Budapest-based team consists of a very experienced and passionate multinational workforce. While nothing is known about the project publically, when speaking about the studio’s opening Avni Yerli said: “It is a great way to widen our horizons and develop for a new gaming genre while continuing our company's strategic growth and expansion.” And as for the studio’s home city? “Budapest speaks for itself,” promises studio manager Kristoffer Waardahl. “It’s a charming capital with stunning buildings, a soothing river, good public transport, lively cultural and night life, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. It is the pearl of the Danube. It’s easy to find a nice place to live, and food and services prices tend to be lower then in the EU in general.”